Microsoft have launched their "live" initiative today.
Formed from the start.com technologies, Windows Live will include many of Microsoft"s beta web technologies - Windows Live Mail (new Hotmail UI), Windows Live Saftey Center, Windows Live Favorites, Windows Live Messenger, and Windows OneCare Live. Live.com serves as the personalized starting point for Windows Live services, powered by technologies such as RSS and Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX).
The company today also previewed Office Live, a new set of Internet-based services for growing and managing a business online. The initial Office Live offerings are targeted at the approximately 28 million small businesses worldwide that have fewer than 10 employees. These services can be used independently but also integrate with Microsoft Office programs used regularly by more than 400 million people around the world, including Microsoft Outlook®, Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft Office Live Meeting and Microsoft Office Small Business Edition. Over time, the scope of Office Live services will expand.
Office Live is due to beta at the beginning of 2006